FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2009
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Allen County Historical Society: Patricia Smith – 419-222-9426; psmith1@wcoil.com
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$280,000 for Allen County Historical Society
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $280,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the Allen County Historical Society.
The 100-year-old Allen County Historical Society operates an educational campus in Lima that includes the Allen County Museum and Children’s Discovery Center, a log house, the 1893 Victorian MacDonell House, the John H. Keller Railroad Archives, and the Elizabeth M. MacDonell Memorial Library. The society’s collections and exhibitions range from natural history and science to art, with an emphasis on local history. State funds will contribute to the construction of a 13,200-square-foot expansion to the Allen County Museum. The expansion includes the creation of the Shay Locomotive and Railroad Gallery, two additional galleries and several new exhibits, new restrooms and a loading dock.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows the Allen County Historical Society to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 562 of the 127th General Assembly. Allen County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senator Keith Faber and Representative Matt Huffman.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that supports economic development, expands educational opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million in capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
